Suggested reading about Los Angeles

Los Angeles facts

Population: 3.8 million

Annual visitors: 42.2 million (2013)

January mean temperature: 15°C

August mean temperature: 23°C

Things to do in Los Angeles

Kogi Korean BBQ

Before food trucks roamed seemingly every square inch of Los Angeles, the Kogi Korean BBQ truck started the city’s mobile food movement in 2008. Now, Kogi’s four food trucks traverse Los Angeles, tweeting out their locations so those craving Kogi’s classic short-rib taco will never have to venture far.

El Cholo

Located only 135 miles from the Mexican border, there’s no shortage of Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles, but only El Cholo, which has dished up tamales and tacos since 1923, claims to have introduced nachos to the City of Angels in 1959, and upscale margaritas in 1967. Now with six locations throughout Southern California, the original El Cholo on Western Ave. remains the mothership.

Nate 'n Al Deli

A favorite breakfast spot for behind-the-scenes Hollywood power players for more than 50 years, Nate ‘n Al Deli in Beverly Hills serves bagels and blockbuster deals at reasonable prices. Rumor has it that the staff is forbidden from discussing any deals they may overhear, including the latest sales of the Dodgers and Clippers. Discreet eavesdropping mandatory.

Coast

Instead of staying at Shutters on the Beach, where rooms start at $550, check in to Coast, the Santa Monica hotel’s casual beachfront restaurant for Sunday brunch while you are staying in los angeles or for a sunset dinner on the water. Only a block away, the Santa Monica Pier offers free concerts during its summer Twilight Concert series and panoramic views from atop the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel.

Coast at the Santa Monica beachfront, Los Angeles

Troubadour

Almost as famous as the artists who played their first U.S. solo shows there – James Taylor, Neil Young and Elton John, to name a few – the Troubadour remains the gold standard for seeing singer/songwriters. The standing room-only floor at the West Hollywood club gets jammed, but there is no better place for seeing the next big thing up close and for soaking in Los Angeles’ rich musical history.

The Varnish

Downtown landmarks Cole’s and Phillippe The Original both opened in 1908 and lay claim to the best French Dip sandwich in Los Angeles, but only Cole’s leads into secret speakeasy, The Varnish. Marked by a door with a cocktail glass etching, The Varnish serves Prohibition-era cocktails in its dark, intimate setting prepared by knowing and friendly mixologists.

The Dresden

In many ways, The Dresden’s dimly lit lounge and restaurant haven’t changed much since it opened in 1954 in Los Angeles: the steaks are still prepared to order and delivered by old-school waiters to the leather booths. Just as they have since 1982, married duo Marty & Elayne continue to amaze with their ability to turn any song, from disco to metal, into a jazz standard during their Tuesday-Saturday sets.

Grand Central Market

Los Angeles’s melting pot of cultures converge at Grand Central Market, a downtown staple since 1917. More than 90 food vendors sell their wares in the 30,000-square foot indoor space, including the cheekily named Eggslut, dedicated to all things egg, and McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream because there’s always room for dessert.

Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles

Wacko/Soap Plant

Billed as a “megastore for the pop connoisseur,” Wacko/Soap Plant has an inventory of more than 2 million items including soaps, kitschy pop culture curiosities, and clothing. When you travel to Los Angeles, visit La Luz de Jesus Gallery, the birthplace of the lowbrow art movement, shares the complex and hosts art opening parties the first Friday of every month.

The Melrose Trading Post

Not as overwhelmingly gargantuan as the Rose Bowl Flea Market 20 miles east, the Melrose Trading Post, held every Sunday at Fairfax High School, still promises collectibles from more than 200 vendors brimming with estate jewelry, knick knacks, artwork, vinyl albums, plants, clothing, furniture and other hidden treasures. People-watching and haggling welcome.

The Museum of Jurassic Technology

Despite its name, The Museum of Jurassic Technology boasts no dinosaurs. Instead the west side museum, founded in 1988, features an odd assortment of exhibits. Some are science-based, others are offbeat or fantastical. Among the most unusual items are the micro-miniature sculptures created out of human hair that fit into a needle’s eye.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The final resting place for Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks and Looney Tunes’ vocal actor extraordinaire Mel Blanc (“That’s All, Folks”), Hollywood Forever Cemetery is also a prime site for outdoor movie viewing and concerts by artists like Annie Lennox and Tame Impala.

Malibu Creek State Park

With moderate temperatures year-round, there’s never a bad time to check out the city’s more than 100 hiking trails. Malibu Creek State Park’s 4.75-mile round-trip hike features mountain and sea vistas. Once leased by 20th Century Fox, Robert Altman filmed “M*A*S*H” on the land and the 4077th’s exteriors, complete with rusted-out ambulance and destination sign, bring Hollywood to the hills.

The Bradbury Building

Los Angeles boasts several architectural masterpieces, including the Bradbury Building, the oldest commercial structure downtown. Built in 1893, its open, interior Victorian courtyard, elaborate iron railings, cage elevators, and ornate stairways will be instantly recognizable to fans of “Blade Runner”, “Chinatown” and “(500) Days of Summer”, all of which filmed there.

The Bradbury Building

Events to look out for when you fly to Los Angeles:

Tournament of Roses Parade (January)

Grammy Awards (February)

Academy Awards (February)

Los Angeles Marathon (March)

Blessing of the Animals (March)

LA Times Festival of Books (April)

LA Gay Pride (June)

Watts Summer Festival (August)

LA Greek Festival (September)

AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival (November)

Hollywood Christmas Parade (November)

Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (December)

Flying with Norwegian

Eat and drink on board

On all our long haul flights you can choose between two menus, and get two meals with wine, beer or mineral water included.

New aircraft - low emissions

On our long-haul flights you fly with our 787 Dreamliner, one of the most comfortable and environmentally friendly options there is.

Seat reservation

Starting from 10 Euros you can get the window seat, be seated in the front to save time or near the exits to have more legroom. Already booked? Add seat reservation now.

In-flight entertainment

Keep yourself entertained with our state-of-the-art entertainment system with movies, TV shows, games and an interactive 3D map with travel tips for your destination.

Central airport

The airports we fly to are centrally located, with quick and easy transport connections to the city centre and beyond. Less hassle, more time to enjoy yourself.